Sacramento Kings duo Sabonis and LaVine undergo season-ending surgeries

Sacramento Kings stars Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine have both undergone season-ending surgeries as the franchise looks toward the future following a difficult campaign.

The team’s two highest earners had their respective procedures on Wednesday, according to reports in the US.

Sabonis required an operation to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

The Lithuanian forward originally suffered the tear in mid-November, missing 27 games while attempting to rehabilitate the injury.

He returned for eight fixtures prior to the All-Star break but has now opted for a full repair with eyes set on next season.

Kings struggles continue

The double blow comes with Sacramento currently sitting at the bottom of the NBA standings.

The Kings hold a league-worst 12-44 record and are currently enduring a 14-game losing streak.

LaVine joins his team-mate on the sidelines after electing to have surgery on a tendon injury in his right hand.

The shooting guard averaged 19.2 points across 39 appearances this season but had missed five of the team’s previous 10 games.

Future uncertainty

Questions remain over the long-term future of both players in California.

LaVine holds a $48.9m (£38.5m) player option for next season which he is widely expected to trigger.

Sabonis has two years and $94m remaining on his current contract.

Sacramento explored the trade market for the pair prior to the deadline but could not finalise a deal.

General manager Scott Perry is anticipated to revisit those discussions during the summer off-season.